Sarah Brightman’s concert was held on February 3rd 2019, at the Met in Philadelphia. I arrived early like I usually do, found a few fans that were waiting and I started conversations about past concerts and how much they adored Sarah.
As time kept ticking away you were directed to the spot for the VIP entrance, about forty five minutes before the doors were open you’d heard the sound check. I heard Sarah signing from the outside; thought that was pretty impressive but then again we are talking about Sarah Brightman the best- selling soprano here not some average Joe, Sarah is professional with a certain way she works, she has integrity with her job, holds herself with high standards.
I had put the finishing touches on my drawing a few days before. I wanted to make sure I finished before the concert. I completed the drawing which was one of Sarah’s new photo shoots for her new album Hymn (see above). It’s always been a dream to have Sarah sign one of my pieces and I was going to see if she could. I was prepared for her to say no, I wasn’t going to push the signing. Nor was I going to be disrespectful to Sarah at the meet and greet.
I met a few more fans from the official forum, I always enjoy meeting the fans knowing there are others like me out there it’s a comfort to know you aren’t alone! We received an email a week before with details about the meet and greet and two of the things that were in the email was a) no gifts and b) not autographs. I almost lost hope but when I heard another fan had Sarah sign her book that she wrote than it give me hope that maybe she would do it after all…
The doors finally open and we walked around to where the items being sold, purchased a few items for my collection. I loved the two lithographs that were signed, on Sarah’s official website store she had the non signed lithographs. I wanted the signed ones, bought a few other items, two items for a fan back in the UK as well. Items are reasonable priced; I wish the T-Shirts had more sizes bigger sizes actually. And during this whole time my drawing laid in the protected cover for safe keeping in my oversize Dooney and Bourke bag.
There was a section for an open bar for the VIPs, we could drink and hors d’oeuvres. We were getting to know one another where we are from, how many times have we seen Sarah… etc. I decided after my beer to find my seat and wait.
The concert was a little late, I know concerts don’t start on time but I know what I’m in for, it’s gonna be worth every penny I spent! There were two seats on my left that were left open the whole time, I thought my Mom and Dad were with me at the concert.
Sarah came out starting with Fleur Du Mal, one of my favorites and from there I was just amazed how Sarah performs the whole concert, at the top of her game. Every song was done with perfection, and of course I tear up during Carpi Deim.
Vincent Niclo and Narcis – two guest with her; both did one song on their own from their own albums. I didn’t care for Vincent during the concert that was in the theaters, partly because he looked painfully uncomfortable on the stage. His voice… I didn’t hear a richness that I heard this time around. Vincent actually changed with his presence on stage, confident and what he demanded from the fans was something I didn’t see before. I liked this new Vincent… I hope good things for him to come. As for Narcis I liked his voice, I’m not the type who likes a male signer to sing like he does but I see greatness there… good things will come his way too.
And for Sarah, one of many favorite parts… hearing Sarah sing Fly To Paradise! That’s been my song since I lost my Mom this back October. My Mom was going to come with me this time to see Sarah but sadly Mom past and this was one of the reasons why I did the meet and greet. Fly To Paradise was a special song to me because it was one of the ones that helped me get out of the funk I was in when my Mom past… I listen to it even now and I blast it!
More favorite parts, The Phantom of the Opera… Sarah, I have to say sang it better than back when she did the Phantom Anniversary a year or two ago. Sarah seemed rushed at that time but this time… at this concert Sarah did an amazing job. She hit the notes which seemed to me without any issues and boy the fans did go crazy! I have to laugh because security was trying to get us to stop clapping. I get what they did it but sorry couldn’t have our excitement from a beloved song and Sarah basically sang it perfectly and of course we are going to show our thanks!
Another favorite moment is when Sarah sang Deliver Me, this was one of Mom’s favorite songs… I just felt deep down they both my Mom and Dad were there in spirit. I knew my Dad of course loved seeing Sarah, he was the one who always got to see Sarah with me. ( During Symphony concert in DC we split up when the doors open to grab items that I wanted, gave Dad some cash to get stuff for me while I was getting other stuff… lol, my Dad thought it was funny but he understood why… so many people wanted stuff. LOL ahh memories. )
And then the rush of the encore how you still kept on with the high, I kind of felt a bittersweet moment. Sad that it was almost over and that magic Sarah has during the whole show almost gone and then the sweet awesomeness of meeting Sarah next.
I was hoping at least Sarah would be able to take a quick break to sit down, grab a drink, take her high heels off, rub her feet and breathe for a few moments without speaking. Hell I would have given her a hour… but not knowing how these things go… we waited until after the show, Sarah’s team grab us to head back were the drinks and hors d’oeuvre were and we waited for about 15 to 20 minutes. She emerged in a lovely blue gown, her hair done and her makeup, I remember blue and gold. Which made her eyes pop!
I didn’t go first, I was way too scared at first, I’m thinking oh gosh why am I scared, this is Sarah Brightman someone you respected most of your life. She’s just like everyone else but with a big job. I of course was trying not to shake… and bam that moment!
She made you feel like you were the only person I the room. I asked her if she could sign my drawing that I just finished a few days ago. I saw Sarah reviewing it, I handed her my art pen and she actually signed it. I thanked Sarah I think… at this point I just couldn’t believe it. My dream finally came true after all of these years. Before I left Sarah, I wished her a safe tour, she thanked me. I think she was a little surprised with that but hey, you are in winter after all and bound to get some snow along the tour route!
I went back to gather my things and looked at the signed drawing. I couldn’t believe it, I signed my drawing next to Sarah. I was in awe… all the way home.
At home I kept the drawing in my purse, ended up bring it with me to work and from there it went off to get framed. Thanks to my boss for taking it to the framers.
A few days ago I just got my drawing back and I have to say the frame is beautiful, along with the mattes the colors just make the drawing itself pop!
This piece is now in my private collection, not for sale.
Just wanted to end this posting with a thank you to Sarah Brightman, you really made my night back in February magical. Thank you, I know we fans weren’t suppose to get autographs. I just want to thank you for doing what you did. You made my dream come true!
Next update I’ve started to work on another drawing. Keep watching for that update. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. It’s been a pleasure!
